Spicy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, spicy Cajun chicken stir-fry inspired by the lively jazz energy from Soul, featuring colorful bell peppers and a smoky spice blend. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this Cajun spice blend evenly over 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sauté for 6-7 minutes until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, 1 sliced green bell pepper, and 1 sliced yellow onion to the skillet. Cook together for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the vegetables soften but retain some crunch.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, cook for another 1 minute to blend flavors, then remove from heat and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Spicy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Spicy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Spicy Cajun Chicken with Bell Peppers?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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